Formula 1 has always been full of cunning maneuvers, but in the past, most of it remained hidden beneath the surface. “Issues” were resolved in the presence of Bernie Ecclestone – typically, at his mobile home parked in the paddock during a Grand Prix weekend. In a manner similar to a F1 council, problems were addressed, grievances discussed, and judgments swiftly delivered, all behind closed doors.
No one spoke publicly about what was agreed upon outside of the F1 community, and if any information were to leak, only Bernie and the parties involved would comment on the matter. The narrative was tightly controlled. None of this would have been acceptable during Bernie’s era, the source would have been silenced already… metaphorically speaking, of course.
Fast forward to the present day, where it seems that whatever occurs behind the pit box door can and will be revealed to the press. Unlike on the track, where a driver can confront their competitor face-to-face, other prominent figures are constantly vulnerable to secretive attackers. The chosen weapon is the media smear.
For instance, if I had a following of twenty thousand F1 enthusiasts on X and tweeted: “XXX might possess a collection of racially offensive dolls, I’m not stating it as a fact, but they haven’t denied it?!” The disclaimer at the end would go unnoticed. However, the racist accusation would spread around the world before the accused even had a chance to respond. I am being light-hearted and simplifying matters here, but that is essentially what is happening.
Christian Horner continues to remain silent, most likely due to a binding non-disclosure agreement with Red Bull corporate. Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen persists in his campaign to undermine Horner without providing any specific details. According to the “karting dad,” Horner is allegedly tearing the team apart.
However, the events of last weekend would suggest otherwise. Meanwhile, both Horner and innocent bystanders like his wife continue to be publicly attacked, unable to defend themselves. If you want to discover who seems to be causing turmoil within Red Bull, look in the opposite direction, not too far away though, just within the confines of the Red Bull garage.
If I were Max Verstappen, I would take inspiration from Lewis Hamilton’s approach. I would relegate my father to the stands and occasionally bring him to the paddock. Max’s own demeanor is completely professional. This was evident when he was interviewed over the weekend about Horner. He displayed disinterest in scandalous speculation, focusing solely on the team and its performance. He then went on to secure pole position, set the fastest lap, and win the race.
Jos needs to remember his place and quietly stay in the shadow of his son. Especially since his behavior may be closing more doors for Max than opening them. If Max were to drive for another team, such as Mercedes, for instance, there would surely be a clause prohibiting Jos’s involvement. Perhaps a more captivating race this weekend will push all this nonsense into the past, where it belongs?